The following outlines various techniques I use when teaching to enhance or change discussion-based activities. I’ll update it as necessary. I’ve had a number of students say they enjoy my classes in part because they never know what we’ll be… Read More ›
Higher Education
The “Big Idea” Writing Syllabus
1. Homo sapiens and their ancestors have always communicated with one another and with other forms of life. Studying this communication is important, as is participating in various forms of communication. Language controls us, and we control languages. 2. The development of… Read More ›
“TODAY ONLY” Extra Credit Opportunity – A Surprising Teaching Experiment
On Sunday, November 5, 2017, I had an idea. I immediately emailed all of my students during the middle of the afternoon. The email announced an extra credit opportunity that would only be available until 11:59 pm. I gave students… Read More ›
Students, Professors, and the Joys of Office Hours
Conversations with fellow professors often turn to the topic of office hours and their frustrated comments about how students never utilize this time. In contrast to some my colleagues, my office hours are always wonderfully busy with students. Frequently, I… Read More ›
Facts Exist on a Spectrum – Adventures Teaching Writing
Teaching First Year Writing this semester continues to be an exciting, interesting journey. A few nights ago, I was trying to decide how I wanted to address a lesson introducing the broad topic of facts, opinions, arguments, and related topics. My approach… Read More ›
Spring 2017 Final Exam Class Selfies
Last semester my students and I started a new tradition of taking a class selfie during the final exam period. This semester I had a selfie stick that I bought for the occasion! These class selfies are below! Enjoy! I… Read More ›
Teaching Tip: The Pop Quiz to Top All Pop Quizzes Ever!
Today as my students in Mexican American History II and then in Texas History entered the classroom I announced that we were going to have a pop quiz and that this pop quiz would top all pop quizzes ever, anywhere…. Read More ›